Sacred Spaces Garden at First United Methodist Church of Mesquite began as a preschool garden in 2012 in an economically challenged neighborhood. The gardens are supported by the church’s Creative Outreach Group and Master Gardener volunteers.
Thanks to a group of enthusiastic and hardworking volunteers, the Academy Kids, church members and the community now benefit from an enriched outdoor environment and the magic of foods fresh from the garden.
Butterflies benefit from the abundant butterfly nectar and host plants; and this year the garden was certified as a Monarch Waystation. Pollinator plants and vegetables grow in raised, amended beds. Anyone is welcome to pick food from the garden and discover where their food comes from and how they can grow it themselves.
While designed to encourage very young children to explore nature, the garden is also a model of sustainable horticultural practices, including appropriate plant selection, the importance of adding soil amendment, composting, and water conservation. Volunteers generally gather on Thursday mornings and new recruits are welcome.
The volunteers always have time to talk with people off the street who have questions, church members who wonder what that tall plant is, and the children who love all the butterflies and pretty flowers and so freely embrace our effort.
